"When a disaster like Hurricane Katrina hits one of our cities, our rural first responders are often the first to arrive on the scene," said Congressman Berry. "These men and women are an essential part of our homeland security strategy and should not be shortchanged."

The proposed changes to the first responder grant program would have lowered the guaranteed level of funding for each state from .75% to .25% and .45% for states with a significant international border. The Department of Homeland Security would distribute the remaining funds using a formula that favors risk. House and Senate negotiators decided to drop the language from the final version of the USA Patriot Act reauthorization bill due to significant opposition from rural lawmakers.

Members of Congress from states like New York and California have made several attempts this year to change the formula for first responder funding. In July, the House considered a measure called the Faster and Smarter Funding for First Responders Act which would have lowered the minimum guarantee for states to .25%. Congressman Berry was one of eight members to oppose the bill since it would take funding away from Arkansas' police, fire, and public health departments.

"The one thing we know about terrorism, is it is unpredictable," said Congressman Berry. "If we pump all our resources into the three largest cities, we are leaving communities all across America vulnerable to attack. The best defense we have against terrorism is to make sure every city and town across this country meets a minimum level of preparedness."

Congressman Berry is a member of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security where he oversees all funding decisions for America's first responders. He remains a strong supporter of programs that help communities better prepare for natural and man-made disasters.